Boy Scouts of America and the Church continue to enjoy a strong relationship, with the number of LDS boys and units registered growing steadily through 1994.

"Among the youth of today, there are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire and souls to save. Scouting helps us to do so," said President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency and longtime member of the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Board."It is the mission of Scouting to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potental."

President Monson added that there is "wisdom in the Boy Scout merit badge program, where every Scout is encouraged to study for merit badges, representing knowledge of trades, skills and arts: medicine, accounting, law, education, carpentry, plumbing and a host of others. While studying for these, a Scout meets a great many people of varying talents and occupations. He broadens his horizons, attains understanding and achieves that most important quality - versatility."

According to Elder Jack H Goaslind of the Seventy and Young Men general president, total LDS-sponsored units increased 3.3 percent to 27,469 at the end of 1994, while total boys and young men registered climbed 2.4 percent to 389,847.

"Never has the relationship between Boy Scouts of America and the Church been any stronger than it is right now," said Elder Goaslind. "Not only is Scouting continuing to grow in the Church, but it continues to be an effective tool in furthering and supporting the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood and Primary (see box at right)."

Almost exactly one-half of all LDS Scouts are Cubs and 11-year-old Scouts that fall within the jurisdiction of the Primary. Patricia P. Pinegar, Primary general president, also praised the value of Scouting and the good it accomplishes in concert with gospel principles.

"The values in Scouting are very compatible with the principles and values we teach children in Primary," she noted. "As stated in the Primary Handbook, `Scouting programs support the Primary program by enabling the boys to put into practice the character-building concepts they learn on Sunday.' That's a very important point."

Elder Goaslind cited several indicators of the flourishing partnership between BSA and the Church:

- Continued involvement by general Church leaders on Boy Scouts of America national committees, allowing for regular input concerning BSA policies, programs and practices.

- The recent production and release through local Scout councils of a videotape with Elder Goaslind and Chief Scouter Jere B. Ratcliffe reaffirming the strength of the partnership and discussing issues of mutual concern to the Church and Boy Scouts of America. (Videotape available by contacting Hart Bullock, director of LDS Relationships, 40 E. South Temple, Suite 330, SLC, Utah 84111.)

- Recent production and distribution of Varsity and Explorer start-up booklets by BSA, written specifically to help leaders of LDS Varsity and Explorer units begin and maintain effective, exciting programs. (These booklets are available through local council offices or through the office of LDS Relationships.)

- Continued growth of the number of LDS participants in Scouting and the number of Church-sponsored units, and the large number of LDS young men who receive their Eagle award and other Church-sponsored religious awards. (See box on page 6.)

"Overall, we are very pleased at what is happening," Elder Goaslind added. "We encourage our leaders to put their energies into using Scouting to help accomplish the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood, and in being positive in their support of all young men. The Scout Oath, Law, Motto and Slogan complement the achievement of the Aaronic Priesthood Purposes we feel are so important in the lives of the young men."

Both Elder Goaslind and Pres. Pinegar added that having Scout leaders with strong testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ is a special blessing that can influence boys to be strong and to develop testimonies of their own.

"Scouting in the Church provides opportunities for leaders with testimonies to be involved with youth on a personal basis," reflected Pres. Pinegar. "Boys and young men need good role models and examples. Caring leaders can provide these models, and so can the older boys with whom they associate."

Additional encouragement by Pres. Pinegar and Elder Goaslind was also given to involve families of the boys in the Scouting program as members of Cub Pack, Scout troop, Varsity team and Explorer post committees, as unit leaders and in participating with their boys in campouts and other activities.

"One of the best things that happens in Cub Scouting is family involvement," said Pres. Pinegar. "It not only encourages parental involvement, but involves the whole family as well."

Added Elder Goaslind: "Scouting at the older levels also provides opportunities for fathers and their sons to spend meaningful time together under a variety of sometimes challenging circumstances. Relationshipos forged and steeled through appropriate participation together help form positive memories that can last forever."

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LDS youth, leaders registered in Scouting

- Cub Scouts: 131,923

Cub packs: 7,673

- Boy Scouts: 143,728

Scout troops: 8,330

- Varsity Scouts: 63,036

Varsity teams: 6,189

- Explorers: 51,160

Explorer posts: 5,277

All registration figures are for year-end 1994. Religious awards given in 1994 include:

- Faith in God: 22,193

- Youth On My Honor: 13,304

- Adult On My Honor: 3,090